Asked to give his opinion on the future of the James Bond franchise, Sam Mendes, to whom we owe “Skyfall” and “Spectre”, expressed an idea that is both simple and revolutionary.
James Bond, the time of reinvention
Since the October 2021 release of Dying can wait and farewell to the role of Daniel Craig, the James Bond saga is taking an indefinite break. Time to find a new interpreter of the famous British secret agent. The time also to write him a new story which will be more collective and more inclusive. In short, bring the oldest film franchise definitively into the 21st century. A new phase opened by Daniel Craig with five films and which must now continue, while starting on new bases. A complex operation, hence the latency we are currently seeing.
Complex but also very exciting, because you can reshuffle all the cards. On screen, as behind the scenes, it may be time to invite more female talent. The Daniel Craig era made room for female characters, moving them away from the mere identity of “James Bond Girl”. But in writing and directing, everything remains to be done. Indeed, only two women have been credited as screenwriters in a James Bond film. Johanna Harwood for James Bond vs. Dr. Nothe first film in the franchise, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Dying can wait… be the last! Note that Johanna Harwood is also credited for the adaptation of Good Kisses from Russia. Film for which only Richard Maibaum is credited screenwriter.
Regarding the women behind the camera, the calculation is quickly made. No female director has directed a James Bond. While twelve men have shared twenty-five films. And insofar as, in cinema in general and in particular in an ultra-codified license, the performers follow the words of the screenwriters and the staging of the filmmakers, a woman director would be a real revolution.
Sam Mendes wants a director for the next film
Among the twelve directors who have directed a James Bond film, the British Sam Mendes has made two: Sky Fall and Spectrum. Two successes in which the director has sublimated the codes of the action-spy thriller while infusing family themes who are dear to him.
Invited to speak about his Bond experience at the microphone of Deadlinethe director of American Beauty and of 1917 gave his opinion on the evolution of the franchise.
I don’t envy the task of Barbara (Broccoli, historical producer of the franchise, editor’s note), who must follow up on Daniel Craig’s five films. He reinvigorated the franchise. But this one is so gigantic that it is very difficult for a young actor to impose himself on it. (…) Let me rephrase that. The actor who plays James Bond must evolve, and the person directing must evolve. I think it would be wonderful for a woman to direct a James Bond. I really think that would be wonderful.
The arrival of a director in the Bond franchise would be an event. A great first, as well as the opportunity to offer new perspectivesand no doubt the best way to continue the work, begun by the Craig era, of deconstructing a hitherto ultra-masculine myth.
